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Couch cushions can wear down over years of regular use, leaving them lumpy, flat and uncomfortable. Cushions that have a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners are easy to stuff, but some cushions are sewn, without a clear or easy way to fill them. Having a flat, lumpy cushion with a sewn seam may seem like a hopeless situation. Fortunately, seam-ripper tools can create an opening in the cushion without damaging the upholstery. However, ripping open the seam requires that you repair it, which may seem like a tedious process, but the reward is a comfortable couch with thick, fluffy cushions.

1

Stretch the back seam gently so the stitches are visible. Insert the point of the seam-ripper clipper under a stitch. Push the seam ripper forward to cut the stitch. Continue cutting the stitches for 10 inches.

2

Fill the cushion with feathers, foam chips or any type of filling. Pack the stuffing into the corners of the cushion. Stuff the cushion with as much filling as needed.

3

Fold the edges of the ripped seam into the cushion. Pin the seam closed, using sewing pins. Place the sewing pins 3/4 inch from the edge of the rip, parallel to it.

4

Choose a heavy-duty polyester thread that is identical to the color of the cushion. Thread a 6-inch upholstery needle with the thread. Tie a knot at the end of the thread, then push the needle through the bottom of the top layer of fabric, approximately 1/8 inch before the ripped seam starts.

5

Pull on the needle and thread until the knot meets the bottom of the top layer of fabric. Whipstitch by inserting the needle from the back to the front of both layers continually, making slated stitches. Space the stitches 1/8 inch apart.

6

Continue whipstitching until you reach the end of the ripped seam. Whipstitch 1/8 inch after the ripped seam, then tie off the thread in a double knot. Fluff the cushion, then replace it on the couch.

About the Author

Beth Porter has been a writer since 2008, with strong experience in early childhood education, gardening, home living and crafts. Porter is presently attending college, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati.